Meaghan Mitchell

Last April, in the early stages of the pandemic, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/04/san-francisco-s-shelter-in-place-extended-until-the-end-of-may-jfk-drive-to-partially-close-to-cars%20/">announced</a> that a portion of John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park would be closed to car traffic to provide more space for social distancing. The decision was <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2020/04/27/finally-a-jfk-drive-for-people/">music to the ears</a> of community organizations like <a href="http://peopleprotected.com/www-carfreejfk-com/">People Protected</a>, <a href="https://walksf.org/get-involved/take-action/car-free-jfk-covid-19-shelter-in-place-golden-gate-park/">Walk SF</a> and the <a href="https://sfbike.org/news/lets-talk-about-race-and-car-free-jfk/">San Francisco Bicycle Coalition</a>, which advocate for safer streets that prioritize pedestrians and bikers over vehicles. And while the closure was <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1538/Golden-Gate-Park-Slow-Streets">only ever meant to last</a> until the end of the city’s emergency health order, many who’ve enjoyed the car-free roadway <a href="https://twitter.com/SafeGGP/status/1375540208641437696?s=20">are now advocating</a> for the change to be made permanent.&nbsp;

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Last April, in the early stages of the pandemic, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/04/san-francisco-s-shelter-in-place-extended-until-the-end-of-may-jfk-drive-to-partially-close-to-cars%20/">announced</a> that a portion of John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park would be closed to car traffic to provide more space for social distancing. The decision was <a href="https://sf.streetsblog.org/2020/04/27/finally-a-jfk-drive-for-people/">music to the ears</a> of community organizations like <a href="http://peopleprotected.com/www-carfreejfk-com/">People Protected</a>, <a href="https://walksf.org/get-involved/take-action/car-free-jfk-covid-19-shelter-in-place-golden-gate-park/">Walk SF</a> and the <a href="https://sfbike.org/news/lets-talk-about-race-and-car-free-jfk/">San Francisco Bicycle Coalition</a>, which advocate for safer streets that prioritize pedestrians and bikers over vehicles. And while the closure was <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1538/Golden-Gate-Park-Slow-Streets">only ever meant to last</a> until the end of the city’s emergency health order, many who’ve enjoyed the car-free roadway <a href="https://twitter.com/SafeGGP/status/1375540208641437696?s=20">are now advocating</a> for the change to be made permanent.&nbsp;

But not everyone agrees, including Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton (District 10), who <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local-politics/article/Will-cars-come-back-to-Golden-Gate-Park-Some-16048206.php">made the news recently</a> for saying that JFK’s closure is an example of “segregationist” policy. Supervisor Ahsha Safai (District 11) also believes the roadway <a href="https://twitter.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1374436896894373899">should be opened back up to cars</a>, echoing Walton’s concerns that a vehicle-free section makes the park less accessible to families that don’t have the privilege of using a bike or access to adequate public transportation.&nbsp;

But not everyone agrees, including Board of Supervisors President Shamann Walton (District 10), who <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/local-politics/article/Will-cars-come-back-to-Golden-Gate-Park-Some-16048206.php">made the news recently</a> for saying that JFK’s closure is an example of “segregationist” policy. Supervisor Ahsha Safai (District 11) also believes the roadway <a href="https://twitter.com/Ahsha_Safai/status/1374436896894373899">should be opened back up to cars</a>, echoing Walton’s concerns that a vehicle-free section makes the park less accessible to families that don’t have the privilege of using a bike or access to adequate public transportation.&nbsp;

On the other side of the debate, Supervisors Matt Haney (District 6) and Dean Preston (District 5) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattHaneySF/status/1373346265988145152?s=20">both</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanPreston/status/1374732492729544711?s=20">tweeted</a> their support for a permanent car-free JFK, as did State Senator <a href="https://twitter.com/scott_wiener/status/1373341373420556288?s=21">Scott Wiener</a> (who also attended a <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1373706349196931074">recent rally</a> for the cause in Golden Gate Park).&nbsp;

On the other side of the debate, Supervisors Matt Haney (District 6) and Dean Preston (District 5) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattHaneySF/status/1373346265988145152?s=20">both</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanPreston/status/1374732492729544711?s=20">tweeted</a> their support for a permanent car-free JFK, as did State Senator <a href="https://twitter.com/scott_wiener/status/1373341373420556288?s=21">Scott Wiener</a> (who also attended a <a href="https://twitter.com/HereSayMedia/status/1373706349196931074">recent rally</a> for the cause in Golden Gate Park).&nbsp;

Supervisors Walton and Safai have both received considerable criticism for their positions, including that Golden Gate Park <a href="https://twitter.com/RecParkSF/status/1375591200170733568">already has enough parking</a> (about 4,700 spots, to be exact) and that the Supervisors should <a href="https://sfbike.org/news/lets-talk-about-race-and-car-free-jfk/">address improving public transportation</a> rather than allowing cars on to JFK.&nbsp;

Supervisors Walton and Safai have both received considerable criticism for their positions, including that Golden Gate Park <a href="https://twitter.com/RecParkSF/status/1375591200170733568">already has enough parking</a> (about 4,700 spots, to be exact) and that the Supervisors should <a href="https://sfbike.org/news/lets-talk-about-race-and-car-free-jfk/">address improving public transportation</a> rather than allowing cars on to JFK.&nbsp;

“I’m open to a dialogue,” Safai said in an interview with Here/Say. However, Safai emphasized that the decision must involve all of San Francisco’s residents. “Let&#8217;s include communities of color and working families in these conversations,” he said.&nbsp;

“I’m open to a dialogue,” Safai said in an interview with Here/Say. However, Safai emphasized that the decision must involve all of San Francisco’s residents. “Let's include communities of color and working families in these conversations,” he said.&nbsp;

“I’m open to a dialogue,” Safai said in an interview with Here/Say. However, Safai emphasized that the decision must involve all of San Francisco’s residents. “Let&#8217;s include communities of color and working families in these conversations,” he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, since January, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) has been working on a <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/Golden%20Gate%20Park%20Sustainable%20Travel%20Study%20Prop%20K%20Sales%20Tax%20Request%20%28PDF%29%202020%2009%2025.pdf">project</a> “to review the current closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park to vehicles and identify and address transportation needs.” A full report will be presented in early April.

Meanwhile, since January, the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) has been working on a <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/2020-09/Golden%20Gate%20Park%20Sustainable%20Travel%20Study%20Prop%20K%20Sales%20Tax%20Request%20%28PDF%29%202020%2009%2025.pdf">project</a> “to review the current closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park to vehicles and identify and address transportation needs.” A full report will be presented in early April.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/JFK-CARFREE.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2657"/><figcaption>Car-free JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park | Photo by Jane Natoli</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/JFK-CARFREE.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2657"/><figcaption>Car-free JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park | Photo by Jane Natoli</figcaption></figure>

Ultimately the Board of Supervisors is responsible for voting on the fate of the roadway, and it’s unlikely President Walton or Supervisor Safai will support a permanent car-free JFK unless significant effort is made to engage marginalized communities. (The Board of Supervisors’ vote will follow input from the Recreation and Parks Department, Municipal Transportation Agency and an environmental review.) President Walton reinforced his position on the topic in a recent <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/closing-jfk-drive-is-recreational-redlining/">op-ed</a> he wrote for the SF Examiner.&nbsp;

Ultimately the Board of Supervisors is responsible for voting on the fate of the roadway, and it’s unlikely President Walton or Supervisor Safai will support a permanent car-free JFK unless significant effort is made to engage marginalized communities. (The Board of Supervisors’ vote will follow input from the Recreation and Parks Department, Municipal Transportation Agency and an environmental review.) President Walton reinforced his position on the topic in a recent <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/closing-jfk-drive-is-recreational-redlining/">op-ed</a> he wrote for the SF Examiner.&nbsp;

Here/Say Media caught up with President Walton, whose district includes Bayview, Visitacion Valley and Little Hollywood, over Zoom to better understand his position on the issue, what his constituents are saying and what he believes is the best path forward.

Here/Say Media caught up with President Walton, whose district includes Bayview, Visitacion Valley and Little Hollywood, over Zoom to better understand his position on the issue, what his constituents are saying and what he believes is the best path forward.

Here/Say: Why reopen John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to cars?

Here/Say: Why reopen John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to cars?

Golden Gate Park belongs to San Francisco&#8217;s residents, and it&#8217;s not just for people who live around the park. It&#8217;s not just for people who have certain means and opportunity to get around San Francisco differently than others. It&#8217;s really for everybody. And you need to have a conversation with everyone and talk about access.

Golden Gate Park belongs to San Francisco's residents, and it's not just for people who live around the park. It's not just for people who have certain means and opportunity to get around San Francisco differently than others. It's really for everybody. And you need to have a conversation with everyone and talk about access.

Golden Gate Park belongs to San Francisco&#8217;s residents, and it&#8217;s not just for people who live around the park. It&#8217;s not just for people who have certain means and opportunity to get around San Francisco differently than others. It&#8217;s really for everybody. And you need to have a conversation with everyone and talk about access.

Here/Say: You said recently that keeping the roadway closed is akin to ‘<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/closing-jfk-drive-is-recreational-redlining/">segregationist</a>’ policy. Can you expand on what you mean by that?

Here/Say: You said recently that keeping the roadway closed is akin to ‘<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/closing-jfk-drive-is-recreational-redlining/">segregationist</a>’ policy. Can you expand on what you mean by that?

Shamann Walton: I believe that with the outmigration of Black people [from San Francisco] and the impact of slavery and segregation, considering a policy that completely isolates communities of color from certain areas of the park&#8230; is basically saying, ‘We don&#8217;t want Black people, we don&#8217;t want low-income people in certain areas of San Francisco.’&nbsp;

Shamann Walton: I believe that with the outmigration of Black people [from San Francisco] and the impact of slavery and segregation, considering a policy that completely isolates communities of color from certain areas of the park... is basically saying, ‘We don't want Black people, we don't want low-income people in certain areas of San Francisco.’&nbsp;

Shamann Walton: I believe that with the outmigration of Black people [from San Francisco] and the impact of slavery and segregation, considering a policy that completely isolates communities of color from certain areas of the park&#8230; is basically saying, ‘We don&#8217;t want Black people, we don&#8217;t want low-income people in certain areas of San Francisco.’&nbsp;

We have to fight that and make sure folks understand the negative impacts of certain policies. You&#8217;re really keeping entire populations of people from being able to access certain parts of the park. I think that&#8217;s ludicrous after everything that has happened in this country.&nbsp;

We have to fight that and make sure folks understand the negative impacts of certain policies. You're really keeping entire populations of people from being able to access certain parts of the park. I think that's ludicrous after everything that has happened in this country.&nbsp;

We have to fight that and make sure folks understand the negative impacts of certain policies. You&#8217;re really keeping entire populations of people from being able to access certain parts of the park. I think that&#8217;s ludicrous after everything that has happened in this country.&nbsp;

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Here/Say: How does a car-free JFK further alienate your constituents?

Here/Say: How does a car-free JFK further alienate your constituents?

Walton: When people make policies, they don&#8217;t understand how classist their policies are. They don&#8217;t understand how inequitable the policies are—because they&#8217;re making policies with their lens. ‘I have a bike. All my friends have bikes. Everybody I talk to has a bike.’&nbsp;

Walton: When people make policies, they don't understand how classist their policies are. They don't understand how inequitable the policies are—because they're making policies with their lens. ‘I have a bike. All my friends have bikes. Everybody I talk to has a bike.’&nbsp;

Walton: When people make policies, they don&#8217;t understand how classist their policies are. They don&#8217;t understand how inequitable the policies are—because they&#8217;re making policies with their lens. ‘I have a bike. All my friends have bikes. Everybody I talk to has a bike.’&nbsp;

[District 10] is an isolated, disenfranchised community, and transportation is not easy. If you have two young children and live in Bayview, how are you going to get two strollers on the bus? Not everybody has a bike or the capability to cargo their babies on a bike—only people with means have those types of opportunities.

[District 10] is an isolated, disenfranchised community, and transportation is not easy. If you have two young children and live in Bayview, how are you going to get two strollers on the bus? Not everybody has a bike or the capability to cargo their babies on a bike—only people with means have those types of opportunities.

When you say ‘just to hop on a bus,’ —well, it takes a couple of hours to get from the southeast sector of San Francisco to Golden Gate Park, and a good chunk of your day has gone by the time you get there and try to enjoy it.&nbsp;

When you say ‘just to hop on a bus,’ —well, it takes a couple of hours to get from the southeast sector of San Francisco to Golden Gate Park, and a good chunk of your day has gone by the time you get there and try to enjoy it.&nbsp;

And yeah, you can walk to Golden Gate Park from the Bayview. You can also walk to Alaska. It&#8217;s not practical. It doesn&#8217;t make any sense.&nbsp;

And yeah, you can walk to Golden Gate Park from the Bayview. You can also walk to Alaska. It's not practical. It doesn't make any sense.&nbsp;

And yeah, you can walk to Golden Gate Park from the Bayview. You can also walk to Alaska. It&#8217;s not practical. It doesn&#8217;t make any sense.&nbsp;

Here/Say: You were particularly frustrated with the lack of community engagement on this issue.

Here/Say: You were particularly frustrated with the lack of community engagement on this issue.

Walton: Yes, I am. I found out about this because [the District 10] community reached out to me. It’s really, in my opinion, disgraceful that we&#8217;re having segregationist policies exist and talking about making them permanent. I thought we dealt with that back with Brown v. Board of Education when we eliminated segregation.

Walton: Yes, I am. I found out about this because [the District 10] community reached out to me. It’s really, in my opinion, disgraceful that we're having segregationist policies exist and talking about making them permanent. I thought we dealt with that back with Brown v. Board of Education when we eliminated segregation.

Walton: Yes, I am. I found out about this because [the District 10] community reached out to me. It’s really, in my opinion, disgraceful that we&#8217;re having segregationist policies exist and talking about making them permanent. I thought we dealt with that back with Brown v. Board of Education when we eliminated segregation.

I&#8217;m in a role where I have to think about the people who are disproportionately and negatively affected by policies. In this case, it&#8217;s the Black community, people of color, people who live further away from the park, people with disabilities, people with inadequate transportation, people who can&#8217;t afford bikes.&nbsp;

I'm in a role where I have to think about the people who are disproportionately and negatively affected by policies. In this case, it's the Black community, people of color, people who live further away from the park, people with disabilities, people with inadequate transportation, people who can't afford bikes.&nbsp;

I&#8217;m in a role where I have to think about the people who are disproportionately and negatively affected by policies. In this case, it&#8217;s the Black community, people of color, people who live further away from the park, people with disabilities, people with inadequate transportation, people who can&#8217;t afford bikes.&nbsp;

Here/Say: What have you heard from your community and constituents regarding a car-free JFK?

Here/Say: What have you heard from your community and constituents regarding a car-free JFK?

Walton: My constituents have reached out with questions&#8230; ‘What is happening in our city? Why haven&#8217;t we been a part of this conversation?’ And this constant issue of the District 10 community being left out of conversations needs to be addressed. Not everyone can afford to park in Golden Gate Park’s parking lots.&nbsp;

Walton: My constituents have reached out with questions... ‘What is happening in our city? Why haven't we been a part of this conversation?’ And this constant issue of the District 10 community being left out of conversations needs to be addressed. Not everyone can afford to park in Golden Gate Park’s parking lots.&nbsp;

Walton: My constituents have reached out with questions&#8230; ‘What is happening in our city? Why haven&#8217;t we been a part of this conversation?’ And this constant issue of the District 10 community being left out of conversations needs to be addressed. Not everyone can afford to park in Golden Gate Park’s parking lots.&nbsp;

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Here/Say: How do you respond to critics who argue that adding cars back on to JFK is bad for the environment?

Here/Say: How do you respond to critics who argue that adding cars back on to JFK is bad for the environment?

Walton: There are differences between being environmentally friendly and just being completely [tone] deaf to the needs of the broader community and particularly communities of color.

Walton: There are differences between being environmentally friendly and just being completely [tone] deaf to the needs of the broader community and particularly communities of color.

So when [critics] say, ‘He just wants more cars on the road, or he wants to kill the environment,’ that&#8217;s really counter to the message, and that’s the simplistic response.

So when [critics] say, ‘He just wants more cars on the road, or he wants to kill the environment,’ that's really counter to the message, and that’s the simplistic response.

So when [critics] say, ‘He just wants more cars on the road, or he wants to kill the environment,’ that&#8217;s really counter to the message, and that’s the simplistic response.

Here/Say: You’re a cyclist yourself. How does that play into your position on this issue?

Here/Say: You’re a cyclist yourself. How does that play into your position on this issue?

Walton: I&#8217;ve been someone who has been advocating for bicycle safety and making sure that we do everything we can to get people on bikes… with the lens of understanding that you have to be equitable about how you do that and how you come into communities.

Walton: I've been someone who has been advocating for bicycle safety and making sure that we do everything we can to get people on bikes… with the lens of understanding that you have to be equitable about how you do that and how you come into communities.

Walton: I&#8217;ve been someone who has been advocating for bicycle safety and making sure that we do everything we can to get people on bikes… with the lens of understanding that you have to be equitable about how you do that and how you come into communities.

We have folks who say, ‘I ride a bike, and I want to make sure that this area is only for bikes’, without having conversations with the community or understanding that any changes we make to the landscape of communities are going to affect everybody around. We have to make these changes and allow for getting more folks on bikes and getting folks out of cars in a responsible manner.&nbsp;

We have folks who say, ‘I ride a bike, and I want to make sure that this area is only for bikes’, without having conversations with the community or understanding that any changes we make to the landscape of communities are going to affect everybody around. We have to make these changes and allow for getting more folks on bikes and getting folks out of cars in a responsible manner.&nbsp;

Here/Say: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shamann.walton">Some have speculated</a> that the <a href="https://www.calacademy.org/">California Academy of Sciences</a>’ staff has played a role in persuading you to advocate for cars on JFK. Is that true?

Here/Say: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shamann.walton">Some have speculated</a> that the <a href="https://www.calacademy.org/">California Academy of Sciences</a>’ staff has played a role in persuading you to advocate for cars on JFK. Is that true?

Walton: Not at all. I have talked to the Academy of Sciences. I’ve also talked to the <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/">SFMTA</a> and to <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/">Rec and Park</a>. I work for my constituents. Every time a Black man speaks up, they think someone is behind it. That’s what systemic racism does. It feeds into the stereotype that we can’t speak for ourselves.&nbsp;

Walton: Not at all. I have talked to the Academy of Sciences. I’ve also talked to the <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/">SFMTA</a> and to <a href="https://sfrecpark.org/">Rec and Park</a>. I work for my constituents. Every time a Black man speaks up, they think someone is behind it. That’s what systemic racism does. It feeds into the stereotype that we can’t speak for ourselves.&nbsp;

Here/Say: What is your call to action for city agencies involved with the closure?

Here/Say: What is your call to action for city agencies involved with the closure?

Walton: The SFMTA needs to focus on getting back to full service and not all these pet projects. The same goes for Rec and Park. They need to focus on getting our parks completely open so that folks who live miles away can enjoy and share the park, like before.

Walton: The SFMTA needs to focus on getting back to full service and not all these pet projects. The same goes for Rec and Park. They need to focus on getting our parks completely open so that folks who live miles away can enjoy and share the park, like before.

Parts of the city are already segregated naturally, and they have been for years. So we shouldn&#8217;t be feeding into that and allowing for more segregationist opportunities.&nbsp;

Parts of the city are already segregated naturally, and they have been for years. So we shouldn't be feeding into that and allowing for more segregationist opportunities.&nbsp;

Parts of the city are already segregated naturally, and they have been for years. So we shouldn&#8217;t be feeding into that and allowing for more segregationist opportunities.&nbsp;

Here/Say: What do the next steps look like for you?

Here/Say: What do the next steps look like for you?

Walton: I&#8217;m definitely going to continue to advocate that JFK be open and accessible for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;

Walton: I'm definitely going to continue to advocate that JFK be open and accessible for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;

Walton: I&#8217;m definitely going to continue to advocate that JFK be open and accessible for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;

Everybody should be able to go there and get there how they can while we work on strategies to make the environment cleaner. There could be a long-term conversation about what to do with JFK and other areas of the city to reduce the number of folks in cars, but you don&#8217;t do it the way that they&#8217;re doing it.&nbsp;

Everybody should be able to go there and get there how they can while we work on strategies to make the environment cleaner. There could be a long-term conversation about what to do with JFK and other areas of the city to reduce the number of folks in cars, but you don't do it the way that they're doing it.&nbsp;

Everybody should be able to go there and get there how they can while we work on strategies to make the environment cleaner. There could be a long-term conversation about what to do with JFK and other areas of the city to reduce the number of folks in cars, but you don&#8217;t do it the way that they&#8217;re doing it.&nbsp;

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. The views expressed in this Q&amp;A are the interviewee&#8217;s own and do not represent an editorial position by Here/Say Media. We’ll be exploring opposing viewpoints in future coverage.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. The views expressed in this Q&amp;A are the interviewee's own and do not represent an editorial position by Here/Say Media. We’ll be exploring opposing viewpoints in future coverage.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. The views expressed in this Q&amp;A are the interviewee&#8217;s own and do not represent an editorial position by Here/Say Media. We’ll be exploring opposing viewpoints in future coverage.

Here/Say journalist Meaghan Mitchell is on the board of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.&nbsp;

Here/Say journalist Meaghan Mitchell is on the board of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.&nbsp;

Want to keep up with the discussion on the future of JFK Drive? On Wednesday, March 31 at 6 p.m., Here/Say is hosting a <a href="https://fb.me/e/3Tl8GhKGs">conversation</a> about equity and transportation with <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/our-leadership-0">Tilly Chang</a> from the SFCTA and <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/people/jeffrey-tumlin">Jeffrey Tumlin</a> from the SFTMA.

Want to keep up with the discussion on the future of JFK Drive? On Wednesday, March 31 at 6 p.m., Here/Say is hosting a <a href="https://fb.me/e/3Tl8GhKGs">conversation</a> about equity and transportation with <a href="https://www.sfcta.org/our-leadership-0">Tilly Chang</a> from the SFCTA and <a href="https://www.sfmta.com/people/jeffrey-tumlin">Jeffrey Tumlin</a> from the SFTMA.

Supervisor Shamann Walton on why he believes car-free JFK is ‘segregationist’ policy

Black History Month is almost over, but highlighting San Francisco’s Black community shouldn’t stop on March 1. Today we’re taking a look at Black leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and cultural influencers who are working year-round to move the City by the Bay forward.&nbsp;

Black History Month is almost over, but highlighting San Francisco’s Black community shouldn’t stop on March 1. Today we’re taking a look at Black leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and cultural influencers who are working year-round to move the City by the Bay forward.&nbsp;

African American Art &amp; Culture Complex

African American Art &amp; Culture Complex

The COVID-19 pandemic may have paused normal programming at the Fillmore’s African American Art &amp; Culture Complex (AAACC), but twin sisters and co-executive directors Melonie and Melorra Green weren’t dissuaded—they transformed the complex’s parking lot into a pop-up open-air gallery. The exhibit, titled “Closer: Six Feet Apart,” is the organization&#8217;s creative response to the pandemic, and its flow mimics the events of the past year.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic may have paused normal programming at the Fillmore’s African American Art &amp; Culture Complex (AAACC), but twin sisters and co-executive directors Melonie and Melorra Green weren’t dissuaded—they transformed the complex’s parking lot into a pop-up open-air gallery. The exhibit, titled “Closer: Six Feet Apart,” is the organization's creative response to the pandemic, and its flow mimics the events of the past year.&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic may have paused normal programming at the Fillmore’s African American Art &amp; Culture Complex (AAACC), but twin sisters and co-executive directors Melonie and Melorra Green weren’t dissuaded—they transformed the complex’s parking lot into a pop-up open-air gallery. The exhibit, titled “Closer: Six Feet Apart,” is the organization&#8217;s creative response to the pandemic, and its flow mimics the events of the past year.&nbsp;

&#8220;Art pieces focused around isolation were the first iteration,” Melonie said. &#8220;As you walk through the exhibit, you&#8217;ll notice it transforms into pieces about social justice and the uprising of Black folks in America.”

"Art pieces focused around isolation were the first iteration,” Melonie said. "As you walk through the exhibit, you'll notice it transforms into pieces about social justice and the uprising of Black folks in America.”

&#8220;Art pieces focused around isolation were the first iteration,” Melonie said. &#8220;As you walk through the exhibit, you&#8217;ll notice it transforms into pieces about social justice and the uprising of Black folks in America.”

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The pop-up gallery was a classic Green sister move. They’ve become so well-known for their contributions to the arts scene in the neighborhood that members of the Fillmore community call them simply “the twins.&#8221; On their shared resume? Helping produce the 2006 <a href="https://sfbff.org/wordpress/">San Francisco Black Film Festival</a> as part of a city-wide Juneteenth celebration and co-creating the exhibit “Bring Your Own Art,” which eventually morphed into the week-long festival Independent Artists Week. Now, the AAACC’s massive space on Fulton St. gives the Greens&#8217; ample space to host Black art collectives, theater companies, recording artists and dance instructors—or at least, it will, when social distancing is no longer the law of the land. In the meantime, the Greens are doing their best to maintain the community they’ve built.

The pop-up gallery was a classic Green sister move. They’ve become so well-known for their contributions to the arts scene in the neighborhood that members of the Fillmore community call them simply “the twins.'' On their shared resume? Helping produce the 2006 <a href="https://sfbff.org/wordpress/">San Francisco Black Film Festival</a> as part of a city-wide Juneteenth celebration and co-creating the exhibit “Bring Your Own Art,” which eventually morphed into the week-long festival Independent Artists Week. Now, the AAACC’s massive space on Fulton St. gives the Greens' ample space to host Black art collectives, theater companies, recording artists and dance instructors—or at least, it will, when social distancing is no longer the law of the land. In the meantime, the Greens are doing their best to maintain the community they’ve built.

The pop-up gallery was a classic Green sister move. They’ve become so well-known for their contributions to the arts scene in the neighborhood that members of the Fillmore community call them simply “the twins.&#8221; On their shared resume? Helping produce the 2006 <a href="https://sfbff.org/wordpress/">San Francisco Black Film Festival</a> as part of a city-wide Juneteenth celebration and co-creating the exhibit “Bring Your Own Art,” which eventually morphed into the week-long festival Independent Artists Week. Now, the AAACC’s massive space on Fulton St. gives the Greens&#8217; ample space to host Black art collectives, theater companies, recording artists and dance instructors—or at least, it will, when social distancing is no longer the law of the land. In the meantime, the Greens are doing their best to maintain the community they’ve built.

After all, they’ve been living in and loving the Fillmore for over 20 years, and they’re not going to stop now. The Greens moved to San Francisco from Memphis in 2000, crash-landing in Freedom West with their aunt, who slept on the couch so her nieces could share her bed. Their choice of neighborhood was no accident. After graduating from a historically Black college, the Greens wanted to live in what mid-century San Franciscans called the “Harlem of the West,” a neighborhood whose main commercial corridor once hosted performances by the likes of Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and Sammy Davis, Jr.&nbsp;

After all, they’ve been living in and loving the Fillmore for over 20 years, and they’re not going to stop now. The Greens moved to San Francisco from Memphis in 2000, crash-landing in Freedom West with their aunt, who slept on the couch so her nieces could share her bed. Their choice of neighborhood was no accident. After graduating from a historically Black college, the Greens wanted to live in what mid-century San Franciscans called the “Harlem of the West,” a neighborhood whose main commercial corridor once hosted performances by the likes of Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and Sammy Davis, Jr.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2007" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ANNIEPRYDE-2500x2007.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1928"/><figcaption>The twins and their Aunt Annie Pryde | Photo courtesy of Melorra Green</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ANNIEPRYDE-2500x2007.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1928"/><figcaption>The twins and their Aunt Annie Pryde | Photo courtesy of Melorra Green</figcaption></figure>

In its <a href="https://www.harlemofthewestsf.com/">heyday</a>, the Fillmore not only brought these legendary musicians together, but also served as a lively commercial hub packed with Black-owned businesses where Black homeowners living in the surrounding areas could gather. But <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/21/us/black-exodus-from-san-francisco.html">gentrification</a> played a key role in the neighborhood losing its <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11825401/how-urban-renewal-decimated-the-fillmore-district-and-took-jazz-with-it">cultural identity</a>. Despite the decline of Black representation in the Fillmore District, there are still local <a href="https://www.nclfinc.org/">activists</a> who have staked their claim within the community and are not afraid to let it be known to newcomers. Anti-gentrification rallies, community meetings focused on funding resources for Black-led organizations and partnerships with city officials have recently been their focus.&nbsp;“The Fillmore will definitely haze you in,” said Melorra. “You can&#8217;t just come in here talking about the stuff you&#8217;re going to do. You&#8217;ve got to prove it.”

In its <a href="https://www.harlemofthewestsf.com/">heyday</a>, the Fillmore not only brought these legendary musicians together, but also served as a lively commercial hub packed with Black-owned businesses where Black homeowners living in the surrounding areas could gather. But <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/21/us/black-exodus-from-san-francisco.html">gentrification</a> played a key role in the neighborhood losing its <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11825401/how-urban-renewal-decimated-the-fillmore-district-and-took-jazz-with-it">cultural identity</a>. Despite the decline of Black representation in the Fillmore District, there are still local <a href="https://www.nclfinc.org/">activists</a> who have staked their claim within the community and are not afraid to let it be known to newcomers. Anti-gentrification rallies, community meetings focused on funding resources for Black-led organizations and partnerships with city officials have recently been their focus.&nbsp;“The Fillmore will definitely haze you in,” said Melorra. “You can't just come in here talking about the stuff you're going to do. You've got to prove it.”

In its <a href="https://www.harlemofthewestsf.com/">heyday</a>, the Fillmore not only brought these legendary musicians together, but also served as a lively commercial hub packed with Black-owned businesses where Black homeowners living in the surrounding areas could gather. But <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/21/us/black-exodus-from-san-francisco.html">gentrification</a> played a key role in the neighborhood losing its <a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11825401/how-urban-renewal-decimated-the-fillmore-district-and-took-jazz-with-it">cultural identity</a>. Despite the decline of Black representation in the Fillmore District, there are still local <a href="https://www.nclfinc.org/">activists</a> who have staked their claim within the community and are not afraid to let it be known to newcomers. Anti-gentrification rallies, community meetings focused on funding resources for Black-led organizations and partnerships with city officials have recently been their focus.&nbsp;“The Fillmore will definitely haze you in,” said Melorra. “You can&#8217;t just come in here talking about the stuff you&#8217;re going to do. You&#8217;ve got to prove it.”

SF Black Wallstreet

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/MnGFOZjEKjs
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<a href="https://www.sfblackwallstreet.com/">SF Black Wallstreet</a> wants to build a better San Francisco for Black people.

<a href="https://www.sfblackwallstreet.com/">SF Black Wallstreet</a> wants to build a better San Francisco for Black people.

Last June, amid the pandemic lockdown, Bayview resident and activist Tiffany Carter became fed up with issues around police brutality. She was sick of watching Black businesses struggle, and worried about the mental decline of her community due to the impact of the coronavirus. So she wrote a Facebook post calling on people to come together for Juneteenth at Gilman Park in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. What started as one small idea sparked by injustice morphed into a movement, gaining support from the surrounding community as well as city officials like Mayor London Breed, President of the Board of Supervisors Shamann Walton (District 10) and Supervisor Ahsha Safai (District 11).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last June, amid the pandemic lockdown, Bayview resident and activist Tiffany Carter became fed up with issues around police brutality. She was sick of watching Black businesses struggle, and worried about the mental decline of her community due to the impact of the coronavirus. So she wrote a Facebook post calling on people to come together for Juneteenth at Gilman Park in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. What started as one small idea sparked by injustice morphed into a movement, gaining support from the surrounding community as well as city officials like Mayor London Breed, President of the Board of Supervisors Shamann Walton (District 10) and Supervisor Ahsha Safai (District 11).&nbsp;&nbsp;

The widespread public support for the gathering motivated Carter, along with six friends, to found the organization SF Black Wallstreet with a mission of preserving African American culture in San Francisco. The group’s network of entrepreneurs, community members and cultural influencers works together to promote financial literacy, organize events at Black-owned businesses and partners with the city to advocate for policies that lift up Black communities.&nbsp;

The widespread public support for the gathering motivated Carter, along with six friends, to found the organization SF Black Wallstreet with a mission of preserving African American culture in San Francisco. The group’s network of entrepreneurs, community members and cultural influencers works together to promote financial literacy, organize events at Black-owned businesses and partners with the city to advocate for policies that lift up Black communities.&nbsp;

Its proudest achievement yet? Championing the “<a href="https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/support-the-sf-good-neighbor-policy">Good Neighbor Policy</a>.” The policy aims to penalize 311 callers who use the line to file unsubstantiated and malicious reports against Black and brown people. Similar to the recently-passed <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/S-F-s-new-CAREN-Act-makes-false-15662838.php">Caren Act</a>, which pertains only to 911 emergency calls, the policy would go one step further by also protecting Black and brown people from racially-motivated, non-emergency claims.

Its proudest achievement yet? Championing the “<a href="https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/support-the-sf-good-neighbor-policy">Good Neighbor Policy</a>.” The policy aims to penalize 311 callers who use the line to file unsubstantiated and malicious reports against Black and brown people. Similar to the recently-passed <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/S-F-s-new-CAREN-Act-makes-false-15662838.php">Caren Act</a>, which pertains only to 911 emergency calls, the policy would go one step further by also protecting Black and brown people from racially-motivated, non-emergency claims.

&#8220;We&#8217;re fighting for equity for our Black businesses and for space and culture,” said co-founder Tinisch Hollins. “We just want to bring our city back, and we want to make sure that folks know that there has always been a Black San Francisco, and there always will be.”

"We're fighting for equity for our Black businesses and for space and culture,” said co-founder Tinisch Hollins. “We just want to bring our city back, and we want to make sure that folks know that there has always been a Black San Francisco, and there always will be.”

&#8220;We&#8217;re fighting for equity for our Black businesses and for space and culture,” said co-founder Tinisch Hollins. “We just want to bring our city back, and we want to make sure that folks know that there has always been a Black San Francisco, and there always will be.”

San Francisco African American Art &amp; Cultural District&nbsp;

San Francisco African American Art &amp; Cultural District&nbsp;

Ebon Sean Glenn and Ericka Scott just want San Francisco to be <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakanda">Wakanda</a>. And it’s a good thing, because as co-directors of the San Francisco African American Art &amp; Cultural District (SFAAACD), they can actually make it happen. At the direction of Glenn and Scott, local artists Tim Hon, Steve Ha and Jonathan Brumfield recently installed a 40-foot mural featuring the words &#8220;Bayview Forever&#8221; alongside Marvel&#8217;s “Black Panther” character and portraits of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_of_Bayview">The Big Five of Bayview—five of the city’s most influential Black women.</a>

Ebon Sean Glenn and Ericka Scott just want San Francisco to be <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakanda">Wakanda</a>. And it’s a good thing, because as co-directors of the San Francisco African American Art &amp; Cultural District (SFAAACD), they can actually make it happen. At the direction of Glenn and Scott, local artists Tim Hon, Steve Ha and Jonathan Brumfield recently installed a 40-foot mural featuring the words "Bayview Forever" alongside Marvel's “Black Panther” character and portraits of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_of_Bayview">The Big Five of Bayview—five of the city’s most influential Black women.</a>

Ebon Sean Glenn and Ericka Scott just want San Francisco to be <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakanda">Wakanda</a>. And it’s a good thing, because as co-directors of the San Francisco African American Art &amp; Cultural District (SFAAACD), they can actually make it happen. At the direction of Glenn and Scott, local artists Tim Hon, Steve Ha and Jonathan Brumfield recently installed a 40-foot mural featuring the words &#8220;Bayview Forever&#8221; alongside Marvel&#8217;s “Black Panther” character and portraits of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_of_Bayview">The Big Five of Bayview—five of the city’s most influential Black women.</a>

Historically, African Americans in San Francisco have been at the mercy of inequitable policies and practices beginning with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRiOCEaFr0U&amp;feature=emb_title">redlining</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_San_Francisco#1930s_.E2.80.93_World_War_II">urban renewal</a> and continuing with stories of <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-oakland-gentrified-gentrification/6302035/">gentrification</a>, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Coronavirus-appears-twice-as-deadly-for-blacks-as-15206710.php">health disparities</a> and inequitable treatment by <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/06/black-san-franciscans-disproportionately-targeted-by-sfpd-curfew-arrests-records-show/">law enforcement</a>. And with the current population of Black San Franciscans <a href="https://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US0667000-san-francisco-ca/">straddling just 5%</a>, down from 13.4% in 1970, protecting Black spaces and neighborhoods has become a top priority for community leaders like Glenn and Scott.&nbsp;

Historically, African Americans in San Francisco have been at the mercy of inequitable policies and practices beginning with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRiOCEaFr0U&amp;feature=emb_title">redlining</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_San_Francisco#1930s_.E2.80.93_World_War_II">urban renewal</a> and continuing with stories of <a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-oakland-gentrified-gentrification/6302035/">gentrification</a>, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Coronavirus-appears-twice-as-deadly-for-blacks-as-15206710.php">health disparities</a> and inequitable treatment by <a href="https://hoodline.com/2020/06/black-san-franciscans-disproportionately-targeted-by-sfpd-curfew-arrests-records-show/">law enforcement</a>. And with the current population of Black San Franciscans <a href="https://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US0667000-san-francisco-ca/">straddling just 5%</a>, down from 13.4% in 1970, protecting Black spaces and neighborhoods has become a top priority for community leaders like Glenn and Scott.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/BAYVIEWFOREVER.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1938"/><figcaption>Bayview Forever Mural | Photo courtesy of SFAAACD</figcaption></figure>

“I grew up in San Francisco on the other side in the Fillmore District, which has changed dramatically,” said Scott. “But growing up and coming over to the Bayview, honestly, I always felt like, ‘Wow, why do people have to live like this?’ It was heartbreaking to see people who looked liked me struggling,” she continued. “There&#8217;s so much historical wrongdoing, so now it&#8217;s going to take a lot to really change the economic structure of the Bayview and the people who live here and who are from here.”

“I grew up in San Francisco on the other side in the Fillmore District, which has changed dramatically,” said Scott. “But growing up and coming over to the Bayview, honestly, I always felt like, ‘Wow, why do people have to live like this?’ It was heartbreaking to see people who looked liked me struggling,” she continued. “There's so much historical wrongdoing, so now it's going to take a lot to really change the economic structure of the Bayview and the people who live here and who are from here.”

“I grew up in San Francisco on the other side in the Fillmore District, which has changed dramatically,” said Scott. “But growing up and coming over to the Bayview, honestly, I always felt like, ‘Wow, why do people have to live like this?’ It was heartbreaking to see people who looked liked me struggling,” she continued. “There&#8217;s so much historical wrongdoing, so now it&#8217;s going to take a lot to really change the economic structure of the Bayview and the people who live here and who are from here.”

That’s where the SFAAACD comes in. San Francisco’s 94124 zip code, known as Bayview-Hunters Point, has the largest number of Black residents of any neighborhood in the city. By designating the area as an official cultural district in 2018 and establishing the SFAAACD, the city of San Francisco committed to protecting the area’s heritage and fighting its gentrification. The cultural district designation gives the SFAAACD access to city funding to support small businesses, commission public art installations and administer mini-grants to Black-led nonprofits.&nbsp;

That’s where the SFAAACD comes in. San Francisco’s 94124 zip code, known as Bayview-Hunters Point, has the largest number of Black residents of any neighborhood in the city. By designating the area as an official cultural district in 2018 and establishing the SFAAACD, the city of San Francisco committed to protecting the area’s heritage and fighting its gentrification. The cultural district designation gives the SFAAACD access to city funding to support small businesses, commission public art installations and administer mini-grants to Black-led nonprofits.&nbsp;

Ultimately, Glenn hopes that initiatives like the cultural district can help “level the playing field” for African Americans across San Francisco.&nbsp;

Ultimately, Glenn hopes that initiatives like the cultural district can help “level the playing field” for African Americans across San Francisco.&nbsp;

&#8220;I want to see Black people owning homes. I want to see Black folks with jobs in tech. I want to see Black folks playing with their kids at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/safr/planyourvisit/aquaticparkcove.htm">Aquatic Park</a> because that&#8217;s our land, too,” he says. “I just want to see <a href="https://www.vulture.com/2018/02/black-panthers-wakanda-explained.html">Wakanda</a> for all intents and purposes. I think that we have the potential and the drive to be that.”&nbsp;

"I want to see Black people owning homes. I want to see Black folks with jobs in tech. I want to see Black folks playing with their kids at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/safr/planyourvisit/aquaticparkcove.htm">Aquatic Park</a> because that's our land, too,” he says. “I just want to see <a href="https://www.vulture.com/2018/02/black-panthers-wakanda-explained.html">Wakanda</a> for all intents and purposes. I think that we have the potential and the drive to be that.”&nbsp;

&#8220;I want to see Black people owning homes. I want to see Black folks with jobs in tech. I want to see Black folks playing with their kids at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/safr/planyourvisit/aquaticparkcove.htm">Aquatic Park</a> because that&#8217;s our land, too,” he says. “I just want to see <a href="https://www.vulture.com/2018/02/black-panthers-wakanda-explained.html">Wakanda</a> for all intents and purposes. I think that we have the potential and the drive to be that.”&nbsp;

Videos by Sophie Bearman.

3 Black-led organizations making real change in San Francisco

You're invited to an exclusive, hands-on cocktail class at Lower Nob Hill’s stylish DACHA, where you’ll shake, stir, sip, and show off.

Summer Cocktail Class

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today.

In the early 1980s, a Bay Area picker stumbled upon something incredible: a plastic garbage bag filled with 2,042 processed 35mm color slides and 102 rolls of carefully labeled black-and-white film. The images — all 8,417 of them — captured a seminal moment in San Francisco counterculture, from 1966 through the 1967 Summer of Love to 1970.

The photographer remains unknown, and most of the photos have gone unseen — until now.

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today. Based on a story by San Francisco Standard culture reporter Sam Mondros.

Find/Seek: Stories and Photos from San Francisco's Past
Tuesday, May 20
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Four One Nine
419 Tenth Street
San Francisco

Complimentary wine and bites. 
Invitation only for guests 21 and over.

Find/Seek: Stories and Photos from San Francisco’s Past

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You’re invited: Truffle-making class at Dandelion Chocolate

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Test: Live In-Person Partay

The San Francisco Unified School District faces massive budget shortfalls and declining enrollment following a turbulent year marked by leadership changes and halted plans to close schools.

Two members of the Board of Education — former educator Phil Kim and Deputy City Attorney and SFUSD parent Jaime Huling — join The Standard’s senior editor Annie Gaus and politics reporter Han Li for a live discussion about the school district’s challenges and the path forward. The guests will also answer questions submitted by the audience.

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San Francisco voters approved Proposition K, the ballot measure that closed the Great Highway to cars to create a park, but the election inflamed tensions between neighbors who were both for and against it. Supervisor Joel Engardio represents the Sunset, where the Great Highway resides, and joins The Standard’s political reporters Han Li and Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez to talk about the park’s future and how the neighborhood may heal after the contentious election. We’ll take your questions during the livestream.

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Supervisor Shamann Walton on why he believes car-free JFK is ‘segregationist’ policy

3 Black-led organizations making real change in San Francisco